WE LIKE A PARADE IN JUNE

And the other events that make us proud this month

This year marks the 25th year of Pride parades in the city. To commemorate the milestone, the Pride Committee of Houston has planned 25 Days of Pride, featuring events presented by a range of community groups. Here, we present a few highlights of committee-designated “official” events.

Kickoff Party

Friday, June 6, 7–10 p.m.

The Pride Committee will honor individuals who have served as parade grand marshals over the past quarter century—and who are collectively the 2003 grand marshals. The Lady Chablis, who gained national fame when she appeared in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, will attend the event (Heritage Hall, JPMorgan Chase Building, 707 Travis). Free (donations for the Pride Committee accepted). www.pridehouston.org

Fitness Exchange Health & Fitness Fair

Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

The gym in Montrose (4040 Milam) will mark 25 years in business with complimentary health screenings and displays from community health professionals and Houston Buyers Club. Free. Fitness Exchange members are invited to a June 8 party at South Beach. www.fitnessexchange.cc

Concert in the Park

Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m.

The Houston Pride Band will celebrate its 25th-anniversary year with an afternoon of music in Woodrow Wilson Park (Fairview at Yupon). The band will serve ice cream and collect items for Stone Soup Pantry. Free. www.houstonprideband.org

Grand Marshal Reception

Monday, June 9, 7–9 p.m.

The Royal, Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star of Houston honors the parade grand marshals of the past 25 years at Chances (1100 Westheimer). www.rsicss.org

Civil Rights Celebration

Friday, June 13, 7–9:30 p.m.

Lambda Legal will host an evening to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court case against the Homosexual Conduct Law. The event at Meteor (2306 Genesee) will feature Lamda legal director Ruth Harlow and entertainment by Jimmy James and Jerry Atwood’s Funky Cabaret. $35 at the door, $25 in advance. www.lambdalegal.org

LHI Rainbow Health Fair

Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Lesbian Health Initiative will offer free mammograms by appointment and other health screenings at no cost or minimal cost at Montrose Clinic (215 Westheimer). www.lhihouston.org

Community Law Day

Saturday, June 14, noon–5 p.m.

More than 20 individuals from the Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston will address a variety of legal matters throughout the afternoon at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church (1440 Harold). www.slagh.org

Cuerpos Calientes y Comida

Wednesday, June 18, 7–10 p.m.

AVES (Amigos Volunteers Education and Services, Inc.) will present this Latino-themed night at South Beach (808 Pacific) featuring a Mexican buffet provided by Michaeline’s Restaurant & Catering and an underwear show presented by Papi Wear (www.papiinc.com). DJ Cubanito will provide music. $10 at the door will benefit AVES. www.aves-health.org

Houston Pride 5K Fun Run and Walk

Saturday, June 21, 7:30 a.m.

The Houston Montrose Athletic Association sponsors the annual race in Memorial Park. This year’s event will benefit AssistHers. Registration is $15 before June 13, then $20.

www.geocities.com/houstonpride5k/index.html

Pride Day at AstroWorld

Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

AstroWorld marks its own milestone this year—35 years in business. Hop on the rides with your family members and scrrream. $35 in advance, $39.95 at the gate will benefit the Pride Committee and Q-Patrol. www.pridehouston.org

Family & Youth Day

Sunday, June 22, 1–4 p.m.

JPMorgan Chase will host this annual kid-friendly event in Memorial Park, featuring a moonwalk, face painting, and treats. Free.

Explaining HIV Drug Resistance: A Patient-Friendly Approach

Wednesday, June 25, 8:30–10 a.m.

The Center for AIDS (1407 Hawthorne) will host a breakfast meeting with Andrew Zolopa, M.D., from Stanford University, who has lectured widely on strategic management of HIV disease. Free, RSVP required. www.centerforaids.org

Could Angels Be Blessed

Thursday, June 26, 8:30 p.m.

In the summer of 1945, the family of a dead gay soldier receives a visit from a young soldier who brings a startling revelation. $10 admission at the Theatre Suburbia show (1410 W. 43rd) will benefit the Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History. www.gcam.org

Pride Cabaret: Before the Parade Passes By…Again!

Friday, June 27, 8 p.m.

The first Pride Cabaret last year was a smash hit and a showcase for an astounding cast of community talents. Ken Williamson again directs the can’t-miss show at the Alley (615 Texas). $50. www.pridehouston.org

Baile 2003

Friday, June 27, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.

GLOBO (Gays & Lesbians Organized by Orgullo) will present this black-tie dance and commuity fundraiser at the Radisson Astrodome (8686 Kirby). Entertainment will include the Houston band La Traizion, Austin-based Alma Tejana, and Miss Lupita. $30 in advance, $35 at the door.

Steel Pride

Friday, June 27, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.

The Grey Party will present this evening of entertainment at Meteor (2306 Genesee) to preview Steel Weekend, the new October GLBT fundraising event. Donations accepted at the door. www.steelparty.com

Out of the Bars and Into the Streets with Q-Patrol

Friday, June 27, 9:30 p.m.

Q-Patrol will host a special reconnaissance through the Montrose area—and again on Saturday night. Q-Patrol meets at the Houston GLBT Community Center (3400 Montrose Blvd., Suite 207). E-mail qp_callouts@hotmail.com if you plan to attend.

The Parade

Sunday, June 28, 8:45 p.m.

Rolling along Westheimer from Woodhead to Whitney, the Silver Celebration parade will feature appearances by dance diva Amber and Queer as Folk cast member Robert Gant. Amber will then perform at a post-parade party at Rich’s Houston. www.pridehouston.org

Check www.pridehouston.org throughout the month for news on additional events and updates.

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